Tri-fold mirror organizer

ABSTRACT

An organizer that includes a cabinet with an interior space formed by a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposing the first sidewall, a top wall extending from the first sidewall to the second sidewall, a bottom wall opposing the top wall and extending from the first sidewall to the second sidewall, and a back wall extending from the first sidewall to the second sidewall and from the top wall to the bottom wall. A door, for the interior space, extends between the top wall and the bottom wall and from the first sidewall to the second sidewall, opposite the back wall when in a closed position. The storage organizer may further include a base joined to the bottom wall by a swivel joint, the swivel joint allowing the cabinet to rotate 360 degrees about the base. A tri-fold mirror is provided by two panels that may be rotated towards the front of the organizer the panels having mirrors disposed on their front surfaces.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/868,613 filed Dec. 5, 2006 which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments of the present invention pertain to organizers and, more particularly, to organizers incorporating a tri-fold mirror.

BACKGROUND

Vanity items such as jewelry and cosmetics, for example, makeup, hair styling products, creams, lotions, etc., are often stored in a number of storage receptacles, such as, cabinets and chests, that may vary considerably from one another, according to the type of item stored therein and the intended placement thereof, for example in a drawer, on a counter or dresser top, or on a floor. These various storage receptacles may not be conveniently located with respect to one another from the user's perspective. Also, a user often requires a mirror to inspect the application of cosmetics, the styling of one's hair or the placement of jewelry. Most often, a single planar mirror is used and the user has a limited field of view that does not encompass side views or a rear view. It would be desirable to provide a system that incorporated storage with the enhancement of mirrors offering a greater field of view.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale (unless so stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an organizer in its collapsed state, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the organizer shown in FIG. 1 in its expanded state according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a back perspective view of the organizer shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 not mounted on any type of stand in its collapsed state.

FIG. 4 is a back elevation view of the organizer shown in FIGS. 1-3 in its expanded state.

FIG. 5 is a back perspective view of the organizer shown in FIGS. 1-4 in a partially expanded state.

FIG. 6 is a back perspective view of the organizer shown in FIGS. 1-5 in its fully expanded state according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a back perspective view of another embodiment of the organizer in a partially expanded state.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the interior of the organizer as described in U.S. Ser. No. 10/809,030.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a particular type of stand according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of an organizer such as that shown in FIG. 1 mounted on a different type of stand according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the organizer shown in FIG. 10 rotated to various positions.

FIG. 12 is a section view of an embodiment of a swivel joint shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a section view through section line B-B of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a base that may be used with any of the embodiments of the organizer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides practical illustrations for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an organizer 10 in its collapsed state, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the organizer 10 shown in FIG. 1 in its expanded state according to some embodiments of the present invention. The organizer 10 has a main body 12 which is described in U.S. Ser. No. 10/809,030 entitled “Jewelry Cabinet” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The embodiments of the present invention add a tri-fold mirror component to the organizer described in U.S. Ser. No. 10/809,030. In FIG. 1, the organizer is shown in its collapsed state, meaning a tri-fold mirror configuration has not been implemented. In this collapsed state, the organizer presents a user with a mirror 14 on the front door 16 of the organizer. FIG. 2 shows the organizer with the tri-fold mirror configuration implemented. It can be seen that a first panel 18 extends from the left side of the organizer 10 and presents the user with a mirror 20 on its front surface. The term “front” refers to a position in front of the organizer shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 where a user can open the front door 16 of the organizer whereas the term “back” refers to a position behind the organizer shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 where a user does not have access to the front door 16. A second panel 22 extends from the right side of the organizer 10 and presents the user with a mirror 24 on its front surface. As will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the first and second panels, 18 and 22, swing out from behind the organizer 10 to create the tri-fold mirror. A user can thus expand the organizer 10 to its expanded state where the user can have access to the interior of the main body 12 of the organizer while being able to view herself in the mirrors 20 and 24 located on the first and second panels 18 and 22, respectively. The organizer 10 is shown mounted on a stand 26 as will be described in detail hereinafter.

FIG. 3 is a back perspective view of the organizer 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in its collapsed state. The organizer 10 is shown not mounted on any type of stand. The organizer described in U.S. Ser. No. 10/809,030 is modified so that its top panel 28 and bottom panel 30 extend past the back wall 32 (see also FIG. 4) of the organizer 10 to provide an overhang. It is in this space created by the overhang and the back wall 32 of the organizer that the first and second panels 18 and 22 are housed. In particular, the second panel 22 shown in FIG. 2 is folded first into the back of the organizer and then the first panel 18 is folded back so that the mirror 20 on its front surface now faces out from behind the organizer.

In a preferred embodiment, the first panel 18 is rotatably secured to the top and bottom panels 28 and 30 on the right side (when viewed from behind the organizer) and the second panel 22 is rotatable secured to the top and bottom panels on the left side (when viewed from behind the organizer). The first panel 18 is secured at a position closer to a front edge of the top and bottom panels than the second panel 22 so that the second panel 22 can be accommodated between the first panel 18 and the back wall 32 of the organizer 10.

FIG. 4 is a back elevation view of the organizer shown in FIGS. 1-3 in its expanded state. In an embodiment, the back surfaces 34 and 36 of the first and second panels 18 and 22 respectively as well as the back wall 32 of the organizer 10 are not provided with a mirror. Alternatively, one, some or all of these surfaces may be provided with a mirror. In another embodiment, one, some or all of these surfaces may be provided with hooks or rods, for example, to increase the storage capacity of the organizer 10.

FIG. 5 is a back perspective view of the organizer shown in FIGS. 1-4 in a partially expanded state. FIG. 6 is a back perspective view of the organizer shown in FIGS. 1-5 in its fully expanded state according to some embodiments of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second panels 18 and 22 are rotatably secured to the top and bottom panels 28 and 30. In one embodiment, loop screws 38 are used to secure the panels to the top panel 28. When the organizer is in its collapsed state, the loop screws 38 are tightened to maintain the first and second panels in the position shown in FIG. 3. To configure the organizer in its expanded state, first the loop screw 38 securing the first panel 18 is loosened and that panel is swung towards the front of the organizer as shown in FIG. 5. When the first panel 18 is in the position desired by the user, the loop screw 38 securing that panel is then tightened to maintain the panel in that position. The same procedure is performed with respect to the second panel 22 as shown in FIG. 6. Thus the user can position the first and second panels as desired.

Alternatively, other arrangements may be used to secure the first and second panels other than screws. In one preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a pair of grooves 100 that extend parallel to the edge of the top and bottom overhang may be formed in the surface of the top and bottom overhangs facing the panels. A left edge 102 of the first panel 118 may have a rod 104 extending from its top and bottom edge that rides in the groove and the second panel may also have a rod that extends from its top and bottom edge that rides in the other groove. The groove 100 that the first panel rides in stops short of the right side of the top and bottom overhang and likewise the groove that the second panel rides in stops short of the left side of the top and bottom overhangs so that the panels are not detachable from the top and bottom overhangs. In use, the user slides the first panel to the right (when viewed from the back of the organizer) and the second panel is slid to the left. Once each panel reaches the end of its groove, it may be rotated to a position desired by the user. There could be an adjustment mechanism incorporate that allows the user to secure the panel at the desired angle of rotation, for example, the grooves may extend through the top overhang and a screw may be secured to the top rod of each panel. This embodiment of the organizer may be mounted on a wall via the top and bottom panels. Alternatively, an additional back wall may be added in front of the first panel 118 and a mounting arrangement my be provided on this additional wall.

As previously described, the back wall 32 of the organizer may be provided with a mirror. The mirror may encompass substantially the entire back wall of the organizer or only a portion thereof. In addition, the back wall may be provided with hooks or rods from which items such as ties, necklaces, purses and/or belts may be hung. In addition, the back of the organizer may be provided with a secret compartment to house items of value. The secret compartment may be a drawer or drawers, for example, secured to the back wall of the organizer.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the interior of the organizer as described in U.S. Ser. No. 10/809,030. The interior of the organizer may have other configurations as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The interior of the organizer may also be configured to house cosmetic either alone or in combination with jewelry.

The organizer is preferably received in a stand. Various types of stands may be used to receive the organizer. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a particular type of stand 40 according to an embodiment of the invention. The stand 40 is a frame that has a base 42 and a pair of arms 44 extending up from the base 42. The pair of arms 44 are tilted back so that the organizer will be at an incline. Alternatively, the pair of arms 44 may be substantially vertical with reference to the ground so that the organizer is not tilted backwards. The organizer is secured to the stand via a screw 46 (see FIG. 2) located in each arm as shown. The screws 46 form a fulcrum about which the organizer can rotate when the screws are loosened. In this manner, the cabinet can rotate so that it forms various angles from the horizontal. For example, in a substantially vertical position, the cabinet forms an angle of about 90 degrees from the horizontal. The cabinet can be rotated, however so that the back wall of the cabinet forms an angle with the horizontal that is less than 90 degrees. Thus, it is possible to rotate the cabinet backwards and forwards about the fulcrum created by the screws. It is possible to adjust the cabinet angle and simply tighten the screws when the cabinet is at the desired angle.

FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of an organizer such as that shown in FIG. 1 mounted on a different type of stand according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the stand 50 is a swivel stand that includes a swivel joint 145 as will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 134 that allows the organizer to rotate 360 degrees as shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 10 illustrates a width W and height H of organizer; according to an exemplary embodiment, width W is approximately seventeen inches and height H is approximately sixty two inches. FIG. 10 further illustrates a height h of base 15 and a clearance c between base 15 and the cabinet to accommodate swiveling action. According to an exemplary embodiment, base height h is approximately one inch thick and clearance c is approximately ¼ of an inch. Of course the organizer may be of other sizes both larger and smaller than the embodiment described.

FIG. 12 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of swivel joint 145 shown in FIG. 9; and FIG. 13 is a section view through section line B-B of FIG. 12. As previously described, swivel joint 145 allows the cabinet to swivel 360 degrees about base 50, so that a person using organizer 10 may rotate the cabinet to gain access to different sides thereof. FIG. 12 illustrates swivel joint 145 including a ball bearing assembly 43 coupling base 50 to a swivel mount 41, which is coupled to bottom wall 14 of the cabinet; a cavity 435 of base 15 contains this coupling, and an annular groove 425, formed in base 15, contains a turning ring 42 including casters 420, which support a weight of the cabinet while allowing swiveling action. FIG. 12 illustrates mount 41 including an outward projecting protrusion 410 and annular groove 425 including a plurality of inward projecting protrusions 450 disposed about a perimeter thereof. According to the illustrated embodiment, protrusion 410 along with each of protrusions 450 form a pair of mating stops as protrusion 410 of mount 41 rotates past each of protrusions 450; the mating stops will slow or stop the rotation of the cabinet at discrete locations about the 360 degree-revolution thereof. The mating stops can regulate a speed of rotation so that a person using organizer 10 does not inadvertently spin the cabinet past a desired point, and can hold the cabinet at a desired point about the 360 degree-revolution. It should be noted that alternate embodiments of the present invention may include a fewer or a greater number of protrusions 450 in groove 450 to provide a different number of mating stops; furthermore, additional embodiments include other types of stops or no stops at all.

Several embodiments of tilt mechanisms are described in U.S. Ser. No. 11/368,019 entitled “Swivel Organizer” which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety. Of course other types of tilting mechanisms now known or later invented may be used. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,870,858 entitled “Christmas Tree Stand”, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety, describes a tilt mechanism which may be adapted for use with organizers of the present invention. Furthermore, foot activated mechanisms for applying either a lever or a wedging action may be incorporated into tilting mechanisms for organizers of the present invention.

The organizer according to the various embodiments described herein may be mounted on another structure such as a chest of drawers, for example such as seen in FIG. 14. It may or may not be provided with a swivel joint depending on whether rotation is desired.

In the foregoing detailed description, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, it may be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. 

1. An organizer comprising: a cabinet including a first interior space formed by a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposing the first sidewall, a top wall extending from the first sidewall to the second sidewall, a bottom wall opposing the top wall and extending from the first sidewall to the second sidewall, and a back wall extending from the first sidewall to the second sidewall and from the top wall to the bottom wall whereas the top wall and bottom wall each extend past the back wall, to form an overhang; a first door extending between the top wall and the bottom wall, the first door rotatably coupled to the first sidewall wherein the first door extends from the first sidewall to the second sidewall when in a closed position; a first panel rotatably coupled to the overhang of the top wall and bottom wall near the first side wall wherein the first panel can be rotated from a collapsed state in which it is behind the back wall to an expanded state where it extends from the first side wall away from the cabinet. a second panel rotatably coupled to the top wall and bottom wall near the second side wall wherein the second panel can be rotated from a collapsed state in which it is behind the back wall to an expanded state where it extends from the second side wall away from the cabinet.
 2. The organizer of claim 1, wherein: the back wall of the cabinet includes a first side and a second side, and the first interior space is disposed on the first side of the back wall; and further comprising a mirror disposed on the second side of the back wall.
 3. The organizer of claim 1, wherein: the first panel has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface wherein when the first panel is in the expanded state its first surface faces a front of the organizer.
 4. The organizer of claim 3 further comprising a mirror disposed in the first surface of the first panel.
 5. The organizer of claim 4 further comprising a mirror disposed on the second surface of the first panel.
 6. The organizer of claim 3 further comprising a set of hooks disposed on the second surface of either the first or second panel.
 7. The organizer of claim 1 further comprising a secret compartment disposed on the back wall of the organizer.
 8. The organizer of claim 1 further comprising a base joined to the bottom wall by a swivel joint, the swivel joint allowing the cabinet to rotate 360 degrees about the base.
 9. The organizer of claim 1, further comprising a jewelry storage element mounted within the first interior space.
 10. The organizer of claim 1, further comprising a jewelry storage element mounted on an inner surface of the first door.
 11. The organizer of claim 1, further comprising: a first mirror disposed on an outer surface of the first panel; and a second mirror disposed on an outer surface of the second panel.
 12. The organizer of claim 8, wherein the swivel joint includes a pair of mating stops to slow rotation of the cabinet at a discrete location, the stops allowing rotation of the cabinet past the location.
 13. An organizer comprising: a cabinet including a first interior space formed by a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposing the first sidewall, a top wall extending from the first sidewall to the second sidewall, a bottom wall opposing the top wall and extending from the first sidewall to the second sidewall, and a back wall extending from the first sidewall to the second sidewall and from the top wall to the bottom wall whereas the top wall and bottom wall each extend past the back wall, to form an overhang; a first door extending between the top wall and the bottom wall, the first door rotatably coupled to the first sidewall wherein the first door extends from the first sidewall to the second sidewall when in a closed position; a first panel slidably coupled between the overhang of the top wall and bottom and behind the black wall wherein the first panel can be slid out from a collapsed state in which it is behind the back wall to an expanded state where it extends from the first side wall away from the cabinet. a second panel slidably coupled between the top wall and bottom and behind the back wall wherein the second panel can be slid out from a collapsed state in which it is behind the back wall to an expanded state where it extends from the second side wall away from the cabinet.
 14. The organizer of claim 13, wherein: the first panel has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface wherein when the first panel is in the expanded state its first surface faces a front of the organizer.
 15. The organizer of claim 14 further comprising a mirror disposed in the first surface of the first panel.
 16. The organizer of claim 13, further comprising a jewelry storage element mounted within the first interior space.
 17. The organizer of claim 13, further comprising a jewelry storage element mounted on an inner surface of the first door.
 18. The organizer of claim 13, further comprising: a first mirror disposed on an outer surface of the first panel; and a second mirror disposed on an outer surface of the second panel.
 19. The organizer of claim 13 further comprising a base joined to the bottom wall by a swivel joint, the swivel joint allowing the cabinet to rotate 360 degrees about the base.
 20. The organizer of claim 19 wherein the swivel joint includes a pair of mating stops to slow rotation of the cabinet at a discrete location, the stops allowing rotation of the cabinet past the location.
 21. An organizer comprising: a cabinet including a first interior space formed by a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposing the first sidewall, a top wall extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, a bottom wall opposing the top wall and extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and a back wall extending between the first sidewall and second sidewall opposite the open side of the interior space, at least one lower panel section extending externally from the cabinet near the lower portion of the back wall or the lower back portion of the first and second sidewalls; at least one upper panel section extending externally from the cabinet near the upper portion of the back wall or the upper back portion of the first and second sidewalls; a first door extending between the top wall and bottom wall, the first door rotatably coupled to the first sidewall wherein the first door extends across the open side of the interior space when in a closed position; a first generally vertical panel rotatably coupled to at least one said lower panel section and at least one said upper panel section near the first sidewall wherein the first generally vertical panel can be rotated from a collapsed state in which it is behind the back wall to an expanded state where it extends from the first sidewall away from the cabinet; and a second generally vertical panel rotatably coupled to at least one said lower panel section and at least one said upper panel section near the second sidewall wherein the first generally vertical panel can be rotated from a collapsed state in which it is behind the back wall to an expanded state where it extends from the second sidewall away from the cabinet.
 22. The organizer according to claim 21 wherein the upper and lower panel sections comprise overhanging sections of the top and bottom walls, respectively, that extend past the back wall.
 23. The organizer of claim 21 further comprising a base joined to the cabinet such that the cabinet may rotate about the base.
 24. An organizer comprising: a cabinet including a first interior space formed by a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposing the first sidewall, a top wall extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, a bottom wall opposing the top wall and extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and a back wall extending between the first sidewall and second sidewall and opposing the open side of the interior space; at least one lower panel section extending externally from the cabinet near the lower portion of the back wall or the lower back portion of the first and second sidewalls; at least one upper panel section extending externally from the cabinet near the upper portion of the back wall or the upper back portion of the first and second sidewalls; a first door extending between the top wall and bottom wall the first door rotatably coupled to the cabinet wherein the first door extends across the open side of the interior space when in a closed position; a first panel slidably coupled between at least one lower panel section and at least one upper panel section, wherein the first panel can be slid out from a collapsed state in which it is behind the back wall to an expanded state where it extends generally from the first sidewall away from the cabinet; and a second panel slidably coupled between at least one lower panel section and at least one upper panel section, wherein the second panel can be slid out from a collapsed state in which it is behind the back wall to an expanded state where it extends generally from the second sidewall away from the cabinet.
 25. The organizer according to claim 24 wherein the upper and lower panel sections comprise overhanging sections of the top and bottom walls, respectively, that extend past the back wall.
 26. The organizer of claim 24 further comprising a base joined to the cabinet such that the cabinet may rotate about the base. 